CITY OF BISHOP
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JANUARY 12, 2026
1)
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Muchovej called the meeting of the Bishop City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 301 West Line Street, Bishop, California. 2)
MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mayor Muchovej announced a moment of silence.
3)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Garcia. 4)
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Councilmember Kong
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Schwartz
Mayor Pro Tem Freundt
Mayor Muchovej
ABSENT:
None.
OTHERS PRESENT: Pam Foster, City Administrator; Karey Poole, Administrative Support Assistant; Dean J. Pucci, City Attorney; Ethan Aukee, Finance Director; Bret Russell, Fire Chief; Doug Mairs, Police Sergeant; Nora Gamino, Public Works Director; Anastasiia Budnyk, Principal Planner; and Daniel McElroy, Community Services Manager. 5)
PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comments were made.
6)
PRESENTATIONS
6.A)
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) - Presented by Cal OES Damon Carrington.
Presentation - Cal OES - January 12, 2026
Presentation - Cal OES Photos - January 12, 2026
Cal OES Damon Carrington provided the Council with an overview on recent Cal OES activities, operations, and incidents. After addressing all of Council's questions, Council thanked Damon Carrington for his presentation.
Second District Supervisor Griffiths also provided an update to Council relating to the discussion on Cal OES rate reductions and encouraged that someone from the City reach out to the League of California Cities to advise them of this issue.
6.B)
Rojas Public Affairs - Presented by Rojas Public Affairs Senior Project Manager Nicole Dailey.
Presentation - Rojas Public Affairs - January 12, 2026
Rojas Public Affairs Senior Project Manager Nicole Dailey provided Council with an update on the State of California's recent activities highlighting items of interest for the Council and reported out on their recent work for the City.
Mayor Muchovej expressed his appreciation for Rojas Public Affairs' past work and asked for their assistance in the development of Proposition 4's grant guidelines. 7)
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Reports from the Fire, Police, Public Works, Community Services, Planning, and Administration Departments were given on each department’s activities including upcoming and ongoing projects.
7.A)
Fire Department Report - Fire Chief Bret Russell
Fire Department Report - December 2025
Fire Chief Russell reported to Council on the Wild Rose incident and complimented the volunteers that attended that fire for their great decision making; discussed the post incident meeting highlighting future trainings; expressed how strenuous fire fighting can be and how he encourages volunteers to take part of the physical fitness programs available to them; commented on a past volunteer firefighter's meeting that highlighted their perspective of fighting fires; and paid compliments to Fire Captain Jim Reynolds and to the rest of the volunteer firefighters in our organization.
7.B)
Police Department Report - Police Chief Nate Derr
Police Department Report - December 2025
In Police Chief Derr's absence, Police Sergeant Doug Mairs reported to Council on the hiring of Police Officer Dennis Saulque who will be introduced to Council at a future meeting; provided an update on their current recruitment of dispatchers; and announced the start of hiring a part-time Parking Enforcement Officer.
7.C)
Public Works Department Report - Public Works Director Nora Gamino Public Works Department Report - December 2025
Public Works Director Gamino reported to Council on her reformatted Public Works Department Report for December which lists the standard things they do, operations, compliance, and projects. Public Works Director Gamino highlighted the Cross-Connection Control Plan, West Line Water Main Replacement Project, discussions with Eastern Sierra Community Service District regarding the diversion of wastewater at the canal and canal diversions that impacts each of our wastewater plants, and the Bishop Area Wastewater Authority (BAWA) Joint Powers Agreement.
7.D)
Community Services Department Report - Community Services Manager Daniel McElroy Community Services Department Report - December 2025
Community Services Manager McElroy reported to Council on the upcoming sports schedules at the City Park, the artificial turf installation on Hanby Street, the evaluation of trees at the City Park, and continued work on Field 6 and the Park Master Plan. Community Services Manager McElroy recognized Chris Leeson for all of his hard work in maintaining the City's Sunrise Mobile Home Park and shared several updates on the City's Parks and Recreation programs.
7.E)
Planning Department Report - Principal Planner Ana Budnyk Planning Department Report - December 2025
Principal Planner Budnyk reported to Council on the funds received for the Silver Peaks Project and a review of the work to come on this project; provided an update on the City's beautification projects; and reported on Phase 2 of the environmental analysis for the City parcel that we are currently on (City Hall and City parking lot) to see if there are any ground storage tanks here and if they can be remediated.
Mayor Muchovej suggested that the City invite Visionary back to provide Council with an update on the Silver Peaks Project, the related tax credits, and funding.
7.F)
City Administrator Report - City Administrator Pam Foster City Administrator Report - December 2025
City Administrator Foster complimented Personnel/Payroll and Benefits Specialist Jana Currie and to Administrative Support Assistant Jessica Ortiz for putting together a great holiday dinner event. City Administrator Foster then reported to Council on the Eastern Sierra Council of Governments (ESCOG) meeting, a future presentation to be given by Mammoth Lakes Tourism on air service, an area managers meeting on local issues, meetings with local developers on some big projects, and held individual meetings with various members of our community. 8)
COUNTY OF INYO UPDATE
Second District Supervisor Griffiths provided an update on Inyo County business and activities. 9)
NORTHERN INYO HEALTHCARE DISTRICT QUARTERLY UPDATE REPORT
9.A)
Northern Inyo Healthcare District Quarterly Update Report – January 12, 2026 Northern Inyo Healthcare District Report - January 12, 2026 A report of Northern Inyo Healthcare District’s current programs, finances, and activities was presented to Council by Northern Inyo Healthcare District Chief Executive Officer Christian Wallis and Chief Medical Officer Adam Hawkins, D.O. 10)
CONSENT CALENDAR
10.A)
November 2025 Budget Report
November 2025 Budget Report
10.B)
November 2025 Financial Reports
November 2025 Bank Reconciliation Report
November 2025 Combined Cash Report
November 2025 Investment Portfolio Report
November 2025 Warrant Register Report
10.C)
ORDINANCE - Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Adding Chapter 5.34 to the Bishop Municipal Code Relating to Mobile Businesses Cover Page
Ordinance No. XXX Update to Title 5 Mobile Businesses Ordinance
10.D)
Deputy Fire Chief Job Description and Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Monthly Salary Schedule FT- Deputy Fire Chief Job description
2025-2026 Full Time Salary Schedule
Councilmember Schwartz asked to pull Item 10.C. Ordinance - Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Adding Chapter 5.34 to the Bishop Municipal Code Relating to Mobile Businesses.
No public comments were made.
Motion/Councilmember Garcia
Seconded/Councilmember Schwartz
Councilmember Garcia made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented except Item 10.C.
Motion passed 5-0
Ayes: Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Schwartz, Mayor Pro Tem Freundt, Mayor Muchovej Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
11)
PUBLIC HEARING AND ACTION
11.A)
Public Hearing and First Reading and Introduction of an Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Chapter 17.75 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units) Cover Page
Attachment A_CHAPTER_17.75._ADU and JADU
Attachment B
Resolution_PC_2025-04
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Mayor introduced this item and opened the public hearing at 7:53 p.m.
Principal Planner Budnyk reviewed this item with Council.
No public comments were made.
Mayor Muchovej closed the public hearing at 7:57 p.m.
Motion/Councilmember Kong
Seconded/Mayor Muchovej
Councilmember Kong made a motion to approve the First Reading and Introduction of the Ordinance by title only, and choose parking Alternative 2 for Section 17.75.060(E) - Adopt Proposed Hardship Exception Language – Recommended by the Planning Commission “Parking hardship exception may be granted for ADUs when the provision of an off-street parking space would eliminate an existing on-street parking space, require the removal of a tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of six (6) inches or greater, or when the addition of an off-street parking space would result in a driveway width exceeding 24 feet.” AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BISHOP, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 17.75 OF THE BISHOP MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS Motion passed 3-2
Ayes: Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Mayor Muchovej Noes: Councilmember Schwartz, Mayor Pro Tem Freundt
Abstain: None
Absent: None
12)
NEW BUSINESS
12.A)
Planning Commission - Screening Committee Recommended Appointment Cover Page
Statement of Interest from Meghan Fuchs
Principal Planner Budnyk reviewed this item with Council and advised Council that the screening committee recommends that Council consider the appointment of Meghan Fuchs to the Planning Commission with a four-year term ending March 25, 2030.
No public comments were made. After a discussion by Council, a motion was made.
Motion/Councilmember Garcia
Seconded/Mayor Pro Tem Freundt
Councilmember Garcia made a motion to approve the appointment of Meghan Fuchs to a four-year term ending March 25, 2030, on the Planning Commission.
Motion passed 5-0
Ayes: Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Schwartz, Mayor Pro Tem Freundt, Mayor Muchovej Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
12.B)
ORDINANCE - Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Chapter 13.06 Relating to Cross-Connection Control Cover Page
Ordinance No. XXX Update to Title 13 Cross-Connection Control Public Works Director Gamino reviewed this item with Council.
No public comments were made.
Motion/Councilmember Kong
Seconded/Councilmember Schwartz
Councilmember Kong made a motion to approve the introduction, by title only, an ordinance repealing and replacing Chapter 13.06 of Title 13 of the Bishop Municipal Code relating to Cross-Connection Control.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BISHOP, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 13 OF THE CITY OF BISHOP CODE OF ORDINANCES, REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 13.06 RELATING TO CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL Motion passed 5-0
Ayes: Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Schwartz, Mayor Pro Tem Freundt, Mayor Muchovej Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
12.C)
Fire Department Mid-Year Budget Adjustment Proposal
Cover Page
Fire Department Mid-Year Budget Adjustment Proposal
Fire Chief Russell and Finance Director Aukee reviewed this item with Council.
No public comments were made.
Motion/Councilmember Garcia
Seconded/Mayor Pro Tem Freundt
Councilmember Garcia made a motion to approve the Fire Department Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Mid-Year Budget Adjustment proposal as presented and authorize the Fire Chief to hire a full-time Deputy Fire Chief.
Motion passed 5-0
Ayes: Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Schwartz, Mayor Pro Tem Freundt, Mayor Muchovej Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Discuss Pulled Item 10.C) ORDINANCE - Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Adding Chapter 5.34 to the Bishop Municipal Code Relating to Mobile Businesses from Item 10. Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Schwartz asked City staff for further clarification on the proposed ordinance relating to a mobile vendor's permit to operate, to obtain an encroachment permit, the cost for an encroachment permit, the current process of obtaining an encroachment permit for vendors in a specific location, and if there are any sign provisions.
After Public Works Director Gamino, Principal Planner Budnyk, and City Attorney Pucci addressed Councilmember Schwartz's questions, a discussion by Council ensued regarding mobile vendors parking near businesses, signage on the mobile vending vehicles, and future concerns of the amount of food trucks that may pop up all over town. Councilmember Schwartz thanked staff for their clarification on this proposed ordinance and did not wish to make any changes to the proposed ordinance.
No public comments were made.
Motion/Councilmember Kong
Seconded/Mayor Pro Tem Freundt
Councilmember Kong made a motion to approve the second reading and adoption of the proposed ordinance by title only.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BISHOP, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 5 OF THE CITY OF BISHOP CODE OF ORDINANCES, ADDING CHAPTER 5.34 RELATING TO MOBILE BUSINESSES Motion passed 5-0
Ayes: Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Schwartz, Mayor Pro Tem Freundt, Mayor Muchovej Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
13)
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Schwartz, with consensus from Council, asked to bring back a discussion on two items: 1. To hold a discussion on the City being a part of the Air Service Cooperative and being a financial contributor to help close the gap in providing services. 2. To discuss the Grants in Support unallocated funds of $20,000.
Mayor Pro Tem Freundt, with consensus from Council, asked that at our next Strategic Planning meeting that we set aside funds for the continued maintenance of our facilities and vehicles to keep our assets working and safe.
Mayor Muchovej requested that we schedule a City Tile presentation for outgoing Planning Commissioner Heather Lind and order cake. 14)
COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Members reported on meetings and community events that they attended. 15)
ADJOURNMENT
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m. to the City Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting in the City Council Chambers. ______________________________________
Stephen Muchovej, Mayor
Attest: ______________________________
Alison Bishop, City Clerk